Thesis

Yes, Cult of Real-time Image – Understanding the Hardcore is my master’s dissertation to Aalto UniversitySchool of Art and Design. However, it’s more importantly (and perhaps more successfully) a philosophical journey to self-realization of why real-time imagery is such a fascinating and subversive medium – at least to me.

In the thesis, I make a case that so-called Hardcore Viewership of real-time image reduces into three underlying concepts, which are real-time, simulation and definition.

After that, I analyze each concept in its own respective chapter (excluding the concept of simulation which takes two chapters instead of one).

Finally, I take a look at how the spirit of the “Cult” manifests itself through various cultural objects and conventions.

Table of contents:

CHAPTER I: Introduction

1.1 Goals
1.2 Structure
1.3 Regarding Computer Animation

CHAPTER II: Ideology and Viewership

2.1 Hardcore Viewership
2.2 Infamous Case of Killzone 2
2.3 Story of Sprite Scaling
2.4 Three Pillars of the Cult